Know your rights as an employee in the UK
As an employee in the UK, it’s important to know your basic employment rights.
Here are some of the most important rights you should be aware of:
Minimum wage: All employees in the UK are entitled to a minimum wage. As of April 2022, the minimum wage for workers aged 23 and over is £9.50 per hour, while those aged 18-22 are entitled to a minimum wage of £8.20 per hour, and those aged 16-17 are entitled to £6.45 per hour. The rates are set by the UK government and are reviewed annually.
Holiday entitlement: UK employees are entitled to a minimum of 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday per year. This can include bank holidays, but employers can choose to offer more than the minimum.
Sick leave: Employees in the UK are entitled to sick leave if they are too ill to work. They can self-certify for up to 7 days, but for longer periods, they will need a doctor’s note. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is available for eligible employees who are off work due to illness for four or more consecutive days, at a rate of £96.35 per week.
Maternity and paternity leave: Employees who are expecting a child or adopting a child are entitled to time off work. In the UK, eligible employees are entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, with up to 39 weeks’ paid leave. New fathers are entitled to up to two weeks of paid paternity leave.
Protection against discrimination: UK employees are protected against discrimination on the basis of characteristics such as age, race, gender, disability, and sexual orientation. Employers must not treat employees unfairly or less favorably because of these characteristics.
Protection against unfair dismissal: UK employees have the right not to be unfairly dismissed. In general, employers must have a fair reason for dismissing an employee and follow a fair process. However, there are some situations where an employee can be dismissed without notice or without following a disciplinary process, such as if they have committed gross misconduct.
In conclusion, being aware of your rights as an employee is essential to ensuring fair treatment and protection in the workplace. However, navigating these rights and protections can be complicated and overwhelming. That’s where our career coaching services come in. Our team of experts can help you understand your rights and provide guidance on how to advocate for yourself in your current job or when searching for a new one. Contact us today to learn more and take control of your career